How to Franchise Shangdao Coffee: Costs & Requirements

If you’ve been asking how to open a Shangdao Coffee franchise—the well-known Taiwanese coffeehouse chain with hundreds of locations—you’re likely wondering about the real costs, location criteria, and what the company actually requires. This isn’t about whether you should open a café, but how to do it right if you choose Shangdao.

In short: to open a standard 500–800㎡ Shangdao Coffee franchise outside major provincial cities, you’ll need to invest around ¥120,000 upfront (excluding monthly royalties), with a total estimated project cost of about ¥1.2 million. The franchise fee alone is ¥200,000, plus a ¥100,000 deposit and other setup costs.

What Is Shangdao Coffee?

Shangdao Coffee originated in Taiwan and has expanded across mainland China with over 700 locations. Managed through seven regional branches—including Shanghai Shangdao Chain Management Co., Ltd.—the brand offers a full-service café model with on-site dining, seating areas, and barista services. Franchisees benefit from centralized training, branding, and operational support.

Site Selection Requirements

To qualify for a Shangdao Coffee franchise, your proposed location must meet several strict criteria:

• Minimum floor area: 500㎡ (ideal size: 600–800㎡)
• Must allow food and beverage operations with utilities including a 1-inch water line, 80–100kW electricity, and 30–40m³ gas supply
• Rent should range between ¥3–5 per ㎡ per month (lower outside provincial capitals)
• Adequate parking spaces are required
• Location should be near high-end residential areas, office buildings, or business districts—but in a relatively quiet spot
• Must maintain a reasonable distance from existing Shangdao Coffee outlets

Franchise Fees & Investment Breakdown

Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for opening a Shangdao Coffee franchise (based on a 500㎡ store in an intermediate city outside the main economic zones):

Total (company fees, excluding royalties): ¥460,000

Additionally, franchisees are responsible for the following out-of-pocket expenses:

• Interior decoration: ¥950 per ㎡
• Storefront lightbox signage: ¥40,000
• Kitchen and bar equipment: ¥100,000
• Seating (tables & sofas): ¥60,000
• HVAC system: ¥80,000
• Fire safety & environmental compliance: ¥100,000
• Miscellaneous items (artwork, decor, etc.): ¥50,000

The estimated total investment for a 500㎡ store in a mid-tier city is approximately ¥1.2 million.

For more details, contact Shangdao Coffee directly: 010-64674709

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements to open a Shangdao Coffee franchise?

To qualify, your site must be at least 500㎡ (ideally 600–800㎡), have proper utilities (1-inch water line, 80–100kW electricity, 30–40m³ gas), and be located in a high-traffic, upscale area such as near residential complexes or office buildings. Rent should be ¥3–5 per ㎡ per month, and the location must be a reasonable distance from any existing Shangdao Coffee outlet.

How much does it cost to franchise a Shangdao Coffee store?

The company charges an initial franchise fee of ¥200,000, a ¥100,000 deposit, ¥60,000 for pre-opening training, ¥50,000 for design, and a ¥50,000 ingredients deposit. Monthly royalty fees are ¥3,000 (totaling ¥80,000 over 3 years). The total upfront company fee is about ¥460,000, not including the estimated ¥1.2 million total investment for a 500㎡ store.

What utilities and infrastructure are required for a Shangdao Coffee location?

Your site must support commercial kitchen operations with a 1-inch water line, 80–100kW of electricity, and 30–40m³ of gas. Adequate parking and appropriate building infrastructure for a café-dining environment are also mandatory.

Are there ongoing fees after opening a Shangdao Coffee franchise?

Yes. Franchisees pay a monthly royalty fee of ¥3,000, which totals ¥80,000 over the standard 3-year contract period. This is on top of the initial franchise and setup fees.

What is the total estimated investment to open a Shangdao Coffee franchise?

For a 500㎡ store in a mid-tier city, the total investment is around ¥1.2 million. This includes company fees (about ¥460,000) plus interior decoration, equipment, furnishings, and compliance-related expenses.

Who should I contact to inquire about franchising Shangdao Coffee?

Contact Shangdao Coffee directly via phone at 010-64674709 for official franchise information, site evaluation, and next steps.

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